KUALA LUMPUR (1 Dec 2012) – Singapore and Malaysia made the semi-finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 when they each finished as winner and runners-up of Group B following their respective matches this evening.
Playing at the Shah Alam Stadium, Singapore had to survive some anxious moments at the start before beating Laos 4-3. It was the Laotian who brought the game to the three-time ASEAN champions when they raced to a 2-0 lead off goals from Khampheng Sayavutthi in the 21st minute and Koviengpheth Litthideth in the 40th minute.
But a brace from Muhammad Shahril Ishak (in the 45th and 53rd minute) would turn the game in Singapore’s favour when they continued to press Laos for the win.
The Lions made sure of the victory – and avoid tournament favourites Thailand – off goals from Khairul Amri in the 63rd minute and then Fazrul Nawaz just a minute later. Not even a late charge from Laos which saw Khampheng converting an 81st minute penalty could prevent Singapore from emerging as group winners.
In the meantime at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Malaysia continued with their revival when they beat Indonesia 2-0 in a fiercely contested affair.
It was youngster Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor who provided much of the magic with his hard work that saw Azammuddin Akil scoring the first goal in the 26th minute before Mahalli Jasuli added the second goal just three minutes later.
Following tonight’s results, Singapore will take on the Philippines away in Manila on 8 December before Thailand play Malaysia a day later in Kuala Lumpur.
